A £2 Million extension to Lisburn's first hotel is expected to be
finished by December and create 20 new jobs. Planning permission for the
extension to the Premier Inn on the Old Hillsborough Road, will mean an
additional 30 bedrooms.

Premier Inn Lisburn, which was developed by Magherafelt based Conway
Group and operated by the UK's largest hotel group, Whitbread PLC,
opened in September 2009. The opening of the hotel marked a £10m
investment by the Conway Group, and saw the creation of 60 full and part
time jobs in the City.

Lagan Valley MLA and Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "These are
exciting times for Lisburn. The opening of the hotel marked a new phase
on the commercial development of the city. The fact that it is proving
to be so successful that it is being extended after just two years is
great news."

Brian Heading, the Mayor of Lisburn also expressed his delight at the
development: "This is further evidence of the growth of Lisburn, he
said.

"The new extension will help to boost the local economy and increase
our visitor numbers.

Trevor Simpson of Conway Group said: "We are delighted planning
permission has come through and we can get to work. We expect to have
the extension finished by Christmas. We are very pleased to have had the
consistent support of Minister Poots and Lisburn City Council for the
project. It is great news for Lisburn, creating new jobs and encouraging
more visitors."

Andy Orr, Manager of Premier Inn Lisburn added: "We've already had
55,000 visitors to the hotel in the two years we have been open. Once
the extension is complete we look forward to welcoming many more."

Keith Freeman, Regional Manager for Premier Inn Northern Ireland
added: "The Premier Inn story in Northern Ireland is one of continued
growth and success. We now have six hotels and we have further plans for
expansion."